Države svijeta moraju zaustaviti rusku kriminalnu regrutaciju

The European Union and Ukraine have strongly criticized Russia's parliamentary elections, which began today after nearly two years of war in Ukraine. These elections, held for the first time since February 2022, are expected to result in a victory for President Vladimir Putin’s ruling party, United Russia. Only pro-Kremlin parties are allowed to participate, according to EU officials. A spokesperson for the European Commission stated that the election process highlights “the ongoing and deepening erosion of democracy in Russia.” The commission condemned the “systematic and institutionalized suppression” used to exclude all democratic opposition forces. It emphasized that the EU does not recognize the elections or their results and will never do so. Those involved in organizing these elections or running as candidates could face consequences, the spokesperson added. Ukraine has called the vote a farce and urged the international community not to recognize the results. In a statement, Kyiv’s foreign ministry said no election organized under the threat of gunfire can change the internationally recognized status of occupied Ukrainian territories. All elections in modern Russia are described as nothing more than a charade. Despite the certainty of the outcome, the election carries symbolic significance. Putin faces increasing pressure as his war becomes harder to distance from the population, while economic conditions deteriorate. The move reflects concerns over potential unrest and the risk of losing control. Russia has resorted to forced recruitment in occupied areas and has sought help from North Korea to bolster its military efforts. Additionally, thousands of individuals from Africa, Asia, and Latin America have been lured to Russia with false job offers, often ending up at the front lines. This practice, involving global networks and digital tools, is considered illegal in many countries. Efforts to trace and disrupt such operations are both challenging and necessary, according to experts.